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The Da Vinci Surgical System

By Douglas A. Khoury, MD, FACS, FASCRS
Davenport Surgical Group, PC

The da Vinci Surgical System is a tool that utilizes robotic, computer and optical technologies to assist your surgeon with an operation. Contrary to many misconceptions, the surgeon controls all its movements. Utilizing a 3D high definition vision system, special instruments that mimic the human wrist, and computer software, a surgeon can perform minimally invasive sugical procedures with optimized visualization, precise movements and enhanced dexterity.

Over the past 15 years, urologists, gynecologists and general surgeons have demonstrated that robotic laparoscopic surgery is a safe and effective tool that optimizes patient care with significant advantages over conventional laparoscopic surgery. The robotic surgeons at Genesis Medical Center provide the greatest variety of robotic laparoscopic procedures in eastern Iowa and western Illinois.

Over the past decade, robotic laparoscopic colon surgery has become a safe and effective treatment option for the thousands of patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer, diverticular disease and inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s Disease, Ulcerative colitis). In the past, the only option was an “open” procedure equated with a long abdominal incision associated with significant pain requiring prolonged narcotic use, week long postoperative hospitalizations and month long
convalescences before returning to one’s normal activity level and work.

Robotic laparoscopic colon surgery is a minimally invasive technique that gives surgeons a means to perform the same operations with smaller incisions and less incisional pain. Multiple published studies have demonstrated the following benefits compared to open operations:

• Less incision pain and lower narcotic use
• Shorter hospitalization
• Quicker return to normal activity level
• Quicker return to work

Every patient contemplating surgical treatment for colorectal cancer, diverticular disease or iinflammatory bowel disease is a potential candidate for robotic laparoscopic colon surgery. If you are one of those individuals, seek out a surgeon who givs you the robotic surgical option to ensure you are given the opportunity to choose the option the optimally treats your disease, minimizes your postoperative pain, and gets you back to your normal activity level as son as possible.

Douglas A. Khoury MD, FACS, FASCRS is a physician at Davenport Surgical Group PC. For more information call (563) 823-9300.